Myofascial Release

Myofascial Release is a very effective hands-on technique that focuses sustained pressure upon myofascial restrictions. The technique eliminates pain and restores motion. The theory of Myofascial Release requires an understanding of your fascial (connective) tissue. The fascia is a specialized system of the body that has an appearance similar to a spider’s web or a sweater.

Fascia is very densely woven, covering and inter-penetrating every muscle, bone, nerve, artery and vein as well as all of your internal organs including your heart, lungs, brain and spinal cord. The most interesting aspect of the fascial system is that it is not just a system of separate coverings. It is actually one structure that exists from head to foot without interruption. In this way you can begin to see that each part of the entire body is connected to every other part by the fascia, like the yarn in a sweater.

Since it surrounds and attaches all structures, fascia also plays an important role in the support of our bodies,. These structures would not be able to provide the stability without the constant pull of the fascial system. In fact, your bones can be thought of as tent poles, which cannot support the structure without the constant “pull” of the guide wires (or fascia) to keep an adequate amount of tension to allow the tent (or body) to remain upright with proper equilibrium.

In its normal healthy state, the fascia is relaxed and wavy in configuration. It has the ability to stretch and move without restriction. When we experience physical trauma, scarring, or inflammation however, the fascia loses its pliability. It becomes tight, restricted and a source of tension to the rest of the body. Trauma, such as a fall, whiplash, surgery or just habitual poor posture and repetitive stress injuries have a cumulative effect. The changes they cause in the fascial system influence comfort and the functioning of our body. The fascia can exert excessive pressure producing pain or restriction of motion. They affect our flexibility and stability, and are a determining factor in our ability to withstand stress and strain.